A Little Support Please :)

As most of you know, I have been here in the Philippines since January and I have been doing so many different things, mostly ministry work. One of my main focuses being here in the Philippines is an orphanage called Babyanne's Mansion: A Home for Children Inc. To learn more about the orphanage, you can check out the website (www.fishersministries.com). This project is what has been taking up most of my time. Currently, I am a volunteer so, this means, I am not getting paid for the work that I am doing. So here's the deal! I need to raise funds to support myself, even just a little bit :) hehe.

So, I would like to let you know that I have been sending my Mom merchandise there for purchase. Items include: jewelry (pearl, swarovski), unique and stylish purses, pashminas, even household items such as trendy Asian inspired table runners, pillowcases and more! All the proceeds contribute to my living expenses here in the Philippines, for all the missionary work that I am doing. Please do consider contacting her if you are looking for the perfect gift for a friend or family member or even just to get yourself a little something ;) You can email me for her contact info, you all know my email address, right?

Hopefully, I can post some pictures of the items I had sent her. Also, I am planning on coming back home in October for a couple of months! So excited to see you all :) I will also be bringing items to buy, perfect for the Christmas season, so please, please, please do wait for it. I need to fundraise for my ticket to come back here! Hehe. All your support would be greatly, extremely appreciated! Thanks to all those who constantly pray for me! I am safe, I am healthy and God is using me abundantly! Again, I miss you guys!

The Sun Is Out!

I had an awesome, awesome day today! First thing is when I woke up it actually wasn't raining! That in and of itself made me feel much better. I really do realize now how much the rain affects my mood. I have been having a hard time these past weeks, it's been raining like crazy as I had commented in my previous post. So anyways, when I woke up I went online and I got to chat with some of my friends from Canada... which made me a little homesick, but I am so thankful for the technology now-a-days, we can all stay connected and communicate with each other so much easier. Haha, so there were five of us having a little conference on MSN Messenger! I got to catch up with them a bit :)

I couldn't stay online for that long though because I had to go to ENLI class. ENLI (Every Nation Leadership Institute) is a course that I am taking to equip me to better disciple others and be a leader, it's sort of like a bible school. Actually, I was little worried because there was a possibility that there was going to be a quiz for class... a quiz that I did not study for! Anyhoo, when I walked in, the teacher announced that there IS a quiz. So during most of the lesson, I am studying for it.. and it turned out I got 19/20! Woohoo! God's grace talaga! Haha!

After, I had a meeting for the Youth Worship Team. It was a pretty productive meeting. Plus, guess what... waa.... something that I have been praying for for a long time actually came to pass. They asked me to lead worship at church for the youth. I am actually embarrassed to share this... but I am just so happy I need to share it! I am a little scared because it's quite intimidating, not to mention a HUGE responsibility. I know I am ready, I know it! Haha. So my first day to lead will be this August 10th during the prayer meeting. One of my friends that is a worship leader actually said he would sing back up for me, which is so sweet! Considering that he is already a worship leader... one of the best :P Craziness, I can't get over this whole thing! I am so honored.. haha, and scared! Lord, thank you, thank you, thank you!

After that, hmm, this is like nine-thirty in the evening :) I went out with some of my friends from my small group to watch a couple of gigs. Wiseguys at Metro Bar and then U-Turn at Off the Grill. Haha, three of us were actually talked into singing "Emotions" on stage. This was quite amusing considering that we didn't really do the voicing properly.. and I don't know all the lyrics... plus I don't sing pop.. not to mention the feed-back. Here were some people's comments on our performance: "That's a really difficult song to sing", "You guys had your moments"! HAHAHAHA... which in short basically means we didn't do that well! But it really doesn't matter, coz I had so much fun! After that we went over to a friends house and hung out and ate breakfast :)

It was just such a good day.... I haven't had a good day in a while! It's like I felt God give me a big hug and a kiss today. I know it won't always be like this, but when it is, I gotta treasure it right? God is good! Well, it's 4:44am right now, I got home maybe half an hour ago :) I have a meeting at 8:30am! I better try to catch some sleep, hehe. Goodnight... erm... hmm, goodmorning!

Yo, What's Up, What's Up?

I just realized how long it has actually been since I have written on here! So much has been going on, but things have slowed down a bit so I have a some time to update you all on what's been up with me :) I am not even sure where to start! First of all, it's rainy season here so it's a little difficult to go out because the streets are sometimes flooded. Also, whenever there's rain here, you can be sure there will also be traffic! I'll try to take a pic of this to share with you guys next time. Haha, everyone is a little tamad (lazy) to go out because of the rain... well actually, it's not JUST rain, it's crazy rain. Anyhow...

Haha, to explain the title of this entry, I have a little story to tell! I was with one of my friends waiting for a taxi on the side of the street. Now, I am always cautious about men who walk by me.. I always make a suplada (snobby) face because men here are scarier than in Canada. I'll explain that a bit more next time... but the gist is that they look at you sometimes like they are gonna eat you up or something, or they are checking you out. Anyhoo. So yeah, there was this guy who walked by us, he was really dark and was wearing long shorts and a dirty T-Shirt. He looked basically like a bum on the street. I didn't really look at this guys' face in particular, but my friend was looking at him and he pushed me aside. So everything seemed fine for a few minutes and the guy who walked past us was a couple of meters away from us. All of a sudden, he turns around and starts saying "Yo, what's up, what's up?" with matching hand gestures! To say the least, my friend and I started speed walking in the other direction! I have no idea what that was about... I am just glad that the guy didn't pursue us or run after us. My cousin suggested that maybe that guy was probably high on something.

I really do realize how dangerous it is here sometimes, and I know that most of the time it is just by the grace of God that I am still okay. He has also blessed me with guy friends that are gentlemen enough to keep me out of trouble, to accompany me when no one else can, to even just get me a taxi or to walk with me places. It's tough being a girl, but I know God's got my back and I am so blessed!

Hmm, well, I really wanted to update you guys on other things, but it looks like it'll have to wait for another time! Perhaps tomorrow? :) I have lots more stories to share about my adventures here, so check back soon! Missing all of my Canadian friends! Please do keep me in your prayers :)

Day Off

Oh my goodness, I have been crazy busy for the last several weeks. I actually got to have a day off today in which I ended up doing paperwork and replying to emails that I had been putting off. It's alright though because I am so fulfilled. I know that God has me here for all these reasons and He is the one sustaining me.

You might be asking what has been keeping me busy? Well, I'll tell you - the Babyanne's Mansion Project. We signed the contract several weeks ago for the house, so we are currently focusing on fundraising for the house payments as well as the reconstruction which we would like to start in January. Another thing that has been keeping me busy is the music ministry at church, so I sing for both the youth and the main services. Also small groups - I have one that I am a part of and one that I lead (yehey!! hehe).

Here are some pictures of our F.I.S.H.E.R.S. Bible Study. This was our fun night several months ago. I don't have any current pics :( It was so much fun! We went swimming in Bulacan. We have been getting a few new people. We are currently doing the Purpose Driven Life series, we did Day 11 today which is about Becoming Best Friend's with God. We have several new people in the group and our sharing has been so blessed because of it!

I also joined an event called Campus Harvest - which is a three day confrence for youth all over asia to encourage them to share the word of God in their campuses. I am part of the primetime which is a play/spoken word in which I play a Goth character named Selene! Pretty intense stuff, could you imagine me being Goth? On the left is a picture from one of our rehearsals! Haha, I think I am the oldest person in that bunch... they keep calling me Ate (big sister). They are all awesome, talented people!

I think this is all I have the energy to update you about right now. I wish I had more time to share with you all the things that have been going on over here! God is definately using me here and I am so blessed :) I hope all of you are doing well over there in Canada! I miss you!

Hello, Hello :)

Hello, hello! I know I haven’t written on here for a while, but I have been crazy busy for the past couple of weeks. I had so many things I wanted to write about but now that I can actually write on here, it’s just all too much for me to contemplate! The following are a few updates.

I have been quite busy with the ministry I have been working with, F.I.S.H.E.R.S. Int. Ministries. We started a bible study and it is doing great! We are currently doing Purpose Driven Life and our discussions have been awesome J We already have 7 regular attendees and growing. We are so blessed with every single person who attends, all of the bible study-goers are so different in personality and in backgrounds, it is so great to listen to everyone’s sharing and testimonies.

The Babyanne’s Mansion project is doing well. We just had a meeting today with the owner of one of the duplex’s were buying (Tita Bella) and the owner of the other duplex who was going to let us lease the house for free (Tito To). To our delighted surprise, Tito To told us that he and his wife decided on donating the duplex to us after three months. You should have seen our faces, we all had different expressions, hahaha! Big smiles, unbelief, unsure if we were hearing what he was saying properly! Craziness. God is good! We have also been doing some small fundraising projects here. So far we have done chocolates and bracelets. Both have been a great success! We were planning on just selling some of the bracelets here and when Jennie (one of the other girls from the ministry) goes back to Canada she could sell them there to fundraise. Well, we sold all the bracelets here already, they were quite popular! People would buy more than one, hehe. So we had to go and buy some more for Jennie to bring back with her. So if you are in Canada right now and you would like to help support Babyanne’s Mansion (please, please do…) please let me know so I can contact Jennie and let her know that you are interested. We are also selling some dried mangoes for fundraising over there in Canada, so again, if you are interested, please do let me know J

I have been quite active with my new church here. I have just been growing and growing and God has been teaching me so much! He has definitely blessed me with provision, with great people around me and so much more. I have been singing for the youth service at church (Youth on Fire) for several weeks already and I have been accepted into the music ministry for the main services as well J (they are separated – this church has so many people attending and so many services that the music team is separated by services). I had been attending a regular small group and am being discipled by one of my greatest friends, I love her so much! I will start leading my own small group for the first time this Saturday. I am nervous and excited at the same time. I know God is telling me to do it even though I am scared, but I will just depend on Him to do what He needs to do through this group of people. There is such a harvest here!

That’s all that I can think of at the moment. I will have to write on here some more, I have so much to say about the culture here J Make sure to check back!! Thanks for reading!

Cell Phone Craze

I have fallen into the whole cell phone craze here in the Philippines. It’s not just about having the newest and coolest phone; it’s about having a phone for every sim card (every cell phone provider). Each cellular provider here has there own promos and deals and everyone wants to take advantage of it. There are promos such as non-stop texting for a certain amount of days within the same provider, cheaper calls within a certain time periods within the same provider, there are also unlimited text and calling within the same provider and you can buy phone cards for this, the more expensive for the more days. There are also downfalls here of course, such as bad connectivity and delayed text messages, but people here don’t seem to mind. Pinoys are the most in touch people I know! They are texting their girlfriend with one hand and their barkada (friend) with the other! So it is very common to see people walking around with a cell phone in each hand and some might have another one in their pockets or purse! I am one of those with two cell phones… yes, I have succumbed to the good deals! Don’t be surprised if you people over there in Canada start carrying around two cell phones soon… after all, we here in the Philippines are a lot more technologically savvy and up-to-date! Hehe. So don’t throw out those old cell phones, you never know when they will come in handy!

Orphanage Updates

I know I haven't written on here for while. I have been quite busy with orphanage business and church. I am happy to report though that we have submitted our bylaws and registration documents to the government and we should be hearing from them by Monday. It took a while for all this to get done, but things are coming along quite well :) We already have the keys to the orphanage and we were able to go inside and check out the place the other day and it has a lot of promise. We are so excited!

I'm going to another wedding later on today with my Uncle. He is insisting I wear my fuscia dress again.. haha. Anyhow, I better get ready :)

What a Crazy Day!

Today was just one of those days, when one thing goes wrong - everything goes wrong, haha. I was supposed to meet my friend at Galleria, a local mall about half an hour away. I rode the taxi to have it break down in the middle of the overpass, I could see the smoke coming out of from under the hood. The poor taxi driver had to try to fix it in the middle of traffic and in the rain. To my horror, I realized I didn't have my wallet on me! Panicking, I called my friend who I was supposed to meet, hoping she could lend me the money to pay the taxi driver only to find that she had meant to text me to cancel our appointment because of a family emergency, she was already at the hospital. So there I was, in the middle of the overpass, in the rain, in a broken down taxi with no money!

Once the taxi was up and running again I asked the driver to bring me back home explaining that I had forgotten my wallet and I would be able to pay him if he drove me back home. He said that he didn't think the car would make it that far. Tito Danny to the rescue! It was a good thing, Tito Danny (Tito means Uncle in tagalog) called me to make sure I made it alright and I had to explain to him the situation. We all agreed for the taxi driver to park at a nearby gas station as we waited for Tito Danny to come so he could pay the taxi driver.

There was a McDonald's in the gas station (yes, I know..) and I waited there for about an hour until I started feeling embarrassed for just standing there without buying anything, so I decided to walk over to the gas station store because they had seats outside and they had just become unoccupied... walking there, I slid and almost fell on the oil and rain mixture and the bottom of my pants were soaked - this of course was welcomed by laughter from a group of McDonald's employees.

Thank goodness for Tito Danny. When he got there, we paid the taxi driver who apologized profusely... and we walked to Galleria and had dinner. Haha... what a day. I know a lot of it could have been a lot worse. Even though my day was crazy, I know God was still watching over the whole situation. Thank God that I can look back on the situation and laugh about it instead of cry about it! :)

Back from Tacloban, San Miguel, Leyte

I got back from Leyte two days ago from our mission trip. It was really an awesome experience! If you would like to see some of the pictures, you can visit the blog dedicated to that mission by clicking: http://sanmiguelmission.blogspot.com/ , we will be posting some of the pictures soon :)

I really enjoyed getting to spend time with my relatives, and trust me, there was a lot of them! When we drove down the street my companions would point out my cousins, aunts and other relatives, hehe. They say I am related to half of Tacloban... And I wouldn't doubt it either. It was just really great getting to spend time with some of them because I was never close to them. It was good that they were actually making an effort to take me out and accommodate me. I had always felt a sort of distance with them, but this time was definitely different. Maybe because I came on my own without my parents. I definitely want to go back, I am just waiting for a promo with the local airlines, but I will definitely be going back maybe in the summer. My cousins promised to take me island hopping! I have so many neices and nephews that I haven't met before, it's crazy!

Ministering to the people in San Miguel was quite a challenge, but definitely worth it. The fiesta turned out really well for the money that spent. It was actually more formal than we expected and the food and turnout was great. It was hard ministering to older people and sharing with them why we were there, but I know that what we shared with them about God will never be in vain. I know that when we spoke and even if they were fighting it or disagreeing with it, it will never come back void. That we either planted a seed or we were feeding a need that was in them and God will take care of the rest. For the farmers, we ministered to mostly kids. It was a lot of fun and I know that the kids had a great time! I really feel like we treated them and we also shared with them about Jesus wanting to be in their lives. There were over 100 kids who attended and approximately 60 kids accepted Jesus into their lives as their personal lord and savior. We definitely have to continually pray for them and for their spiritual growth! We also gave them bibles. It was definately such a blessing to be able to go there and do all the things that we did. I really want to go back regularly to check up on them, maybe get them started with a bible study so that they can be more rooted in God's word. We still have to pray about that one.

Well, that's it for this update, it is getting quite late over here :) Our trip was a great experience, God blessed us so much while we were there, to Him be the glory forever!

Preparing for Leyte Mission

The past couple of days have just been in preparation for our trip to San Miguel tomorrow. Today we (Karen, Ate Jen and I) have to pack. We are very excited :) If you would like to know more about our Mission to San Miguel you can check out this blog: http://sanmiguelmission.blogspot.com/ . Please keep us in your prayers!

The past couple of days have been getting hotter and hotter! Last Saturday, I played badminton with Ate Jen and her uncle. Imagine playing badminton in a gymnasium with no air conditioning or fans, with spotlights! It was crazy, I was sweating so much! Actually, I am still quite sore from the whole experience. Next time I know that I should be wearing a sleeveless shirt and shorts - I could literally feel my clothes burning on my skin after our game. Haha :) It's good to exercise and sweat though, especially after eating so much Jolibee (a Filipino fast food favorite)!

Okay, I have to get going and take a shower because I am sweating like crazy right now and I can't stand it anymore.. hehe :)

Lolo's Birthday and Shopping for the Leyte Mission

This picture was taken during my lolo's 91st birthday. We had a small celebration with pancit, palabok, beef caldereta, pork and chicken barbecue among other things and of course we had to have cake -braso de mercedez and queso (cheese flavoured) ice cream. As Karen and I were coming down to eat lunch Lolo came to greet us and did a little birthday dance, haha, it was so great and he started to lovingly pinch our arms :) It's so great to see him with so much energy! I am so blessed to be able to spend some time with him.

Today, we were able to get our tickets for our mission trip to Leyte. We also went to Makros, which is like a Costco to shop for some of the giveaways. It was great, we were able to get a lot of things and I think all the kids and farmers will be happy with the items that we bought. We also bought some prizes for the games we will be doing :) I am so excited for our flight on Tuesday! Please keep Karen, Ate Jennie and I in your prayers as we continue to prepare for our trip.

That's all for now :)

Mall-Rat

I went to three different malls yesterday, my feet were so tired by the end of the day. First we went to Glorietta in Makati to meet Karen's uncle and then to Robinson's Galleria in Ortigas to meet one my girlfriends and then to Greenhills which is also a nearby mall which is known for it's "tiange" which is a sort of market where you can barter for prices. It never ceases to amazes me how many malls there are here in Metro Manila, and they just keep building more! I have heard of at least four brand new malls since the last time I came here four years ago.. and the thing is whichever mall you go there are always tons and tons of people. I was having breakfast with my girlfriend several days ago and the coffee place were were sitting in was just outside of a mall, it was quite early so the mall wasn't open yet, but there was already a line up to get in! Amazing!

The good news is Karen was able to get a good deal from her friend who works for Cebu Pacific (an airline) for our tickets to Leyte, San Miguel where we will be having our Mission. We will be leaving next week :)

Today is my lolo's (grandfather's) birthday, so I better get going downstairs to celebate his birthday lunch! I will make sure to post some pictures of this tomorrow and let you all know about the festivities :) Bye for now!

Joy's Wedding and a Cousin's Day Out

Yesterday was my cousin – Joy’s wedding. It was a very beautiful ceremony, the bride was exceptionally beautiful as well, as you can tell from the pictures :) The ceremony was held at a church known as “The Bamboo Organ Church” – there is an actual organ upstairs in the church made of bamboo. Apparently, organists from all over the world come to the Philippines just for the chance to play the bamboo organ. It was great to get to meet some of my relatives that I had never met before. There was actually an Aunt who attended, she carried a picture of the both of us (a baby pic of me and a younger version of herself) so she could show me. Haha, I was crying and had rollers in my hair in the picture! To end the night off with a bang, I was the one who caught the bridal bouquet! Ayayay. Peterson had a laugh when I told him (he arrived later on during the reception).













Today I had a cousins day out :) Karen, Trina, Liezl and I went to church and then to a movie and a dinner in Robinson's Galleria, a nearby mall. We watched a Filipino movie called “Don’t Give Up On Us” with Piolo Pascual (a local movie “hunk” that Karen has a crush on). It was lots of laughs and for some, some “kilig” moments, hahaha!

Okay, have to go to sleep now. I hope you are all doing fine there in Canada :) God Bless!

EuroStar Carnival

Yesterday, I met up with some friends to go to a brand new carnival that just opened up. It has been heavily advertised in the newspapers and on television. It actually wasn't too bad. I refused to go on any of the rides that would spin in more than one direction at the same time, so I stayed on all the pretty mellow rides. There was one ride though which was a ship that would swing back and forth and then eventually suspend you upside down and swing you full circle that we rode - luckily we rode it when we did - because afterwards, the electricity went off and it was swinging on it's own momentum! It eventually stopped and the carnival staff got the power running again and everything was business as usual.. until it happened again! Hahaha. That's about it for now :) I am off to Joy's wedding!

Driving in Metro Manila

Everyone knows about the traffic in Manila. They know that it is always congested and it takes about three times longer than it should really take to get to your desired location. Well, let me explain a little why that is. When you drive around Metro Manila, no one stays in their own lane, actually, to be blunt there basically are no lanes, buses, jeepneys and taxi's stop in the middle of the road may it be a highway or not and pick up or drop off passengers.

If you have ever played a car racing game in an arcade, you would have a good picture of what driving here is like. And that includes people cutting you off. Cars that are an inch away from your vehicle are typical.

Drivers here have their own language. Beeping here doesn't mean "Get out of the way" or "Hurry up" like it would over in Canada. Depending on how many times and the length you beep it could mean those things but most of the time they mean "Watch out I'm on your left/right", "Thank you", "You may take the right of way" and a numerous other things. So honking your horn here isn't necessarily a sign of irritation or agressiveness but can also be a courteous gesture for the drivers around you.

I've been told people don't get pulled over here for speeding, people get pulled over for passing a red light and illegal u-turns... and that's about it. It's amazing how people can do business here as I am sure the traffic is bad for the output of business - to be more efficient. Someone once told me that in his MBA program they were trying to figure out how to improve the traffic in the Philippines and the only solution they could come up with was to destroy the current structure and to start fresh. I think that the traffic is part of the Philippine culture. I don't really find it frustrating as others might. Even though it was scary at first I actually find it humorous somtimes... and being a passenger, the added time to get to places gives me an opportunity to have a nap! So, I say - it's not all that bad :)

Arrival Week

Hello All! Karen and I arrived in Manila safe and sound the other night. The flight didn't take as long as I expected, it really helps to have good company, although I feel bad for the fellow who had to sit to next us - he had to listen to the two giggling girls sitting beside him the whole flight! Hehe. I went to a garden wedding yesterday - yes, I know what you might be thinking - a garden wedding in the Philippines? Wouldn't it be too hot? It actually wasn't too bad because I think this is the cooler time of the year here. The wedding was very nice, I will try to post some pictures online soon. It has been a very busy few days so far - today is my rest day. There will be another wedding on Saturday for which I will be a bridesmaid - I have to to go to a fitting later for some alterations on my bright fuscia dress ;)

That's all for now! Thank you for all the prayers - if you prayed for a safe trip, your prayers were definately answered (it was a breeze)!

Missing everyone in Canada,

Kat